This hands-on laboratory course teaches essential
laboratory skills in biophysics. Experiments cover sample preparation techniques, such as
protein expression and purification, modern research methods such as atomic force
microscopy, optical tweezers, NMR, X-ray crystallography, and computational techniques
such as molecular dynamics simulation. A final project will allow students to explore a
topic of their interest in greater depth.

This is a core course to teach essential laboratory skills to biophysics concentrators,
covering both routine sample preparation techniques and modern research methods. It is
intended to bridge the gap between classroom work and work in the research laboratory.
Some physics students with an interest in the life sciences may choose this laboratory in
lieu of one of the advanced physics laboratory course.

Course Requirements:

Laboratory reports, pre-lab quizzes, and a final project.

Intended Audience:

Biophysics concentrators at the junior level and interested
Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics students.

Class Format:

In addition to a one-hour lecture, students will be required to spend 4
hours in the laboratory each week. A GSI and the laboratory coordinator will be present
and available for discussion and help during laboratory hours.

Syllabi are available to current LSA students. IMPORTANT: These syllabi are provided to give students a general idea about the courses, as offered by LSA departments and programs in prior academic terms. The syllabi do not necessarily reflect the assignments, sequence of course materials, and/or course expectations that the faculty and departments/programs have for these same courses in the current and/or future terms.